CONWAY—The University of Central Arkansas and City of Conway will host the 16th annual Veterans Day Celebration on Thursday, November 7 at 1:00 p.m. on lawn outside Old Main on the campus of UCA. This year’s theme is “Honor our heroes, protect our future.”

Brigadier General Dwight Balch, Director of the Air National Guard, will be this year’s keynote speaker at the formal ceremony honoring veterans which begins at 1:40 p.m.

The ceremony includes the presentation of the Honorary Doctorate of Public Service conferred posthumously to LTC William Leon Russell Sr. by President Tom Courtway. Honorary citations to local community members will be presented by Arkansas Senator Jason Rapert.

Other special guests expected to attend include U.S. Congressman Tim Griffin and Conway Mayor Tab Townsell. Companies and organizations committed to providing services for Veterans will also be present.

The celebration also offers a full schedule of activities including complimentary refreshments provided by local restaurants, live music performances, educational information and vendor booths. Community members interested in community service opportunities can participate in the Red Cross Blood Drive and the “Be the Match” Bone Marrow Donor registry on site at the celebration.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit uca.edu/veteransday.